Russia to Consider Scrapping Kiosk Beer Sale Ban

Nov. 16, 2016

The Russian government will consider new proposals to relax
regulations on beer sales, the Kommersant newspaper reported
Wednesday.

The plans would scrap laws introduced in 2013 that ban beer from
being sold by internet retailers, street kiosks, and sports
facilities.The proposed changes would also extend the hours when Russians can buy beer. Alcohol currently cannot be purchased in Russian shops between 11
p.m. and 8 a.m..

The proposal, which was prepared by beer companies together
with Moscow's Higher School of Economics (HSE), claims that the
stricter laws have led to mass job losses among small businesses and a decrease in much-needed tax revenues. The 2013 legislation did not affect sales, the report admitted.

Russia has already relaxed its ban on advertising beer in
media. A change to the law in 2014 allows television and print-based
adverts in a “sports-related context.”